Owning a yacht in Malta is a dream — but like all dreams, it comes with some chores. And antifouling ranks high on the “less glamorous” list. But in our warm, crystal-clear waters, marine growth is aggressive. If you don’t treat your hull, your boat will start dragging around half of Marsaxlokk Bay under her keel. Here’s a practical guide to doing it right — without making a mess in the yard or your wallet.

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🎨 1. Choosing the Right Antifoul Paint

Not all antifouling paints are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Copper-based paint

Long-lasting, expensive, and ideal for Mediterranean waters. May give you several years of protection, which is great if you're moored in Manoel Island or Birżebbuġa.

• Eroding (self-polishing)

The most common choice for cruisers. It wears off slowly as you sail — so if you're using your boat regularly, it stays clean longer. Bonus excuse to sail more often.

• Hard paint

Best for faster boats or ones on drying moorings (not common in Malta). Also good if you're planning to scrub the hull during the season.

🔍 Not sure which type to use? Ask around at your local chandlery or boatyard — Mellieħa and Kalkara crews have seen it all.

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🔧 2. Prepping for the Job

1. Check yard policies

Malta’s marinas and boatyards are tidy and regulated — especially in Msida or Mgarr. Ask permission before sanding or spraying.

2. Set up ground protection

Use plastic sheeting or gardening mat to catch flakes. It saves cleaning time and avoids polluting the marina.

3. Surface prep

• If the existing antifoul is in decent shape, wet sand it to key the surface.

• If it’s thick or flaking, you’ll need to remove layers — consider scraping or hiring a contractor. This is easiest right after the boat’s hauled out at the end of the season (before everything hardens).

4. Priming

• Not always needed, but do it if switching paint types or going down to the gelcoat.

• Always check paint compatibility — mixing types incorrectly will cause peeling.

5. Don’t skip the keel, shaft or propeller

• Treat any rust.

• Consider polishing or fairing metal surfaces for better flow.

• Apply a specific prop antifoul or polish.

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🤔 3. Applying the Antifoul

1. Stir thoroughly

Paint separates fast in our warm climate. Mix it well, then pour into trays.

2. Tape the waterline

Take your time masking — a wonky boot-top line will haunt you all summer at anchor in Gozo.

3. Use the right rollers

Gloss rollers or radiator rollers work well. Use brushes or pads for tricky spots.

4. Apply two coats

Consider chalk-marking the hull to keep track of coverage. Allow proper drying time between coats.

5. Remove tape while still tacky

Avoid bits of antifouling-covered masking paper flying across Msida creek.

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📏 4. Final Steps

• Shift the cradle pads (if possible) to paint underneath. If not, ask the yard to swing the boat in slings for a quick touch-up.

• Replace your anodes — cheap insurance for your underwater metals.

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🏁 And Finally...

Antifouling isn’t glamorous — but it beats hauling kelp off your transom every weekend. Do it properly and your yacht will glide through the Grand Harbour like a dream.